Friday, July 27, 2012

Hank Lee's Magic Factory - Summer Reading Sales Event!

Greetings from everyone here at Hank Lee’s Magic Factory. It was a glorious week, and we even got some much needed rain.

For all our friends who have been following my personal saga, D-Day as we have come to call it at home, was supposed to be July 20th. Well, the 20th came and went, and the government postponed everything until the 6th of September. All of us would really like the matter to come to a close and move on to the next phase, whatever that will be. On the bright side, it gives me more time to work with Aron and teach him all of the ins and outs of the business. He’s doing a fine job, and really gets the concept of being here to serve our customers. If you have spoken to him on the phone, or communicated by email, you know exactly what I mean.

The best news is that things are continuing as normal here at Hank Lee’s Magic Factory. Orders come in, orders go out. Just the regular. A big thanks to the Elves (and Aron) for this.

Speaking of which, some long awaited items have arrived in stock and been shipped right out the door. Spider Pen Pro tops that list. Yigal Mesika finally released his latest version of this fine item. And, the back orders went out the door. The Definitive Sankey also arrived, and those back orders were filled. Shin Lim’s Shinanigens came in and, that’s right, all of those back orders were filled. In all, a very busy week.

Lots of magic conventions this summer. The FISM Convention and IBM Convention are over. And, the SAM Convention takes place this weekend. I hope you had the chance to attend at least one of the major summer conventions. It’s great to be immersed in nothing but magic for a few days!

Since we are right in the middle of summer, this week’s Excitement is one we do every year. Check it out!

SUMMER READING SALE: Is there a better time than right now to sit on the front porch with a nice cool drink and read? No, sez me! Starting right now and ending on Tuesday the 31st of July at midnight, you can save 35% on every single book that we carry, except those published by Mike Caveney's Magic Words or those so noted in the Online Catalog. All you need to do is enter the special code SAVEONBOOKS in the Discount Coupon Box of the online checkout at www.magicfact.com and we will automatically deduct the 35%. The Discount Coupon Box will be found at the bottom of the “View Cart” page before you check out online. If you place your order by phone, toll free at 800 874 7400, just mention the special code, SAVEONBOOKS, and we will deduct the 35%. You can also place your order by FAX at 781 395 2034 or by email at magicfact@aol.com. No matter how you place your order, just mention the special code and save 35% on all the books! This is a great chance to get the books you’ve been looking for at a terrific price. Just remember, the sale ends on the 31st of July at midnight EDT.

Now, it’s time to check out this week’s Hotlist.

(1) Devious – Chris Turchi, Brandon David & Dan Harlan: It's rare when an effect comes out that accomplishes something that has never been seen before. It's even more rare that the effect uses a method that is so practical you will be performing it all the time. Imagine you are at a restaurant or bar and you are asked to perform an effect. Sure, you could perform one of the many awesome card tricks you know but this time you want to perform something that they will always remember. Imagine having the ability to take an ordinary glass bottle and visually penetrate the neck of the bottle with a playing card, dollar bill or piece of paper. The Devious gimmick can be added to any brown glass bottle. The gimmick is invisible and is something that is very easily brought in and out of play. You can also perform an awesome bottle through spectator’s shirt or even a penetrating cap routine. The possibilities with this effect are endless. The Devious gimmick is something new and will excite everyone. Points To Remember Custom-made never-before-seen gimmick. Easy to perform Loads of possibilities -Virtually impromptu $34.95 (10.1719) Shipping on or about August 10th. Pre-order now and we’ll pay the shipping!

(2) Apple 2 Phone – Jordan Gomez: The most amazing and original trick using your iPhone! With empty hands, reach in the air and produce an apple! Smash the apple between your hands and produce a real live iPhone! Ready anytime. Easy to do. Apple + gimmick + online video. Bonus trick : Apple From Nowhere You can use any object for the final load. However, the most original is to use an Apple product like the iPhone or iPod. You can also make the apple vanish. $50.00 (60.1862)

(3) One – Matthew Underhill: Get ready to be remembered by your spectators forever! A card is signed back and front by two spectators. Two of the hearts are initialed. One initialed heart is then visually pulled across the face of the card until it rests side by side with the other. In a beautiful and artistic piece of magic created by Matthew Underhill, the two hearts become one. This provides the spectator with an incredible souvenir that freezes the moment of magic perfectly. Comes with DVD and all necessary supplies. Available in red or blue. Please specify $40.00 (30.1709) Note: This is a non-discountable item.

What people are saying:

"Matthew has taken the anniversary waltz, the most classic of all the plots in card magic, and not just given it a new method, but he has given it a face-lift every worker will LOVE!" - Justin Miller

"What a truly astonishing moment for the unsuspecting participants - this is a perfect wedding/anniversary card trick which leaves them with an impossible object to remember you and your magic long after the event. I want it in my close-up case - send the first one to me!" - Nicholas Einhorn

"Simple, effective and most of all, very commercial. I can see myself performing this routine for wedding close up gigs, the perfect memento to give to the married couple. Very nice!" - Luca Volpe

(4) Random – Peter Nardi: Anyone that follows Peter’s work will understand his knack for creating hard-hitting magic and mentalism. Random is a plot Peter has been working on for a while and now it can be yours! Peter Nardi's Random feels totally organic and shows you can truly control apparent random actions. Your spectator makes numerous "Random" choices (with a deck of cards) yet you clearly and unbelievably predict their actions every step of the way. Random is a totally self-working masterpiece that is strong enough to close your set! Random proves you really do have total control over your spectators' thoughts and actions! $38.95 (30.1710)

"I have created a lot of bent cutlery formed into jewelry in the past, but have never seen a manual this comprehensive and well done dealing with the beauty and method of designing jewelry out of spoons and forks!

I highly recommend Silvertone for anyone who has a creative mind!" - Uri Geller

(6) 5th Assistant – Geoff Weber: A Practical and Versatile Pocket Utility The 5th Assistant takes a classic concept to a whole new level! Imagine a tool so powerful, so practical, and so versatile you'll wonder how you ever lived without it. This gimmick allows you to show your pocket empty, only to produce any item you wish moments later! 2 Custom Gimmicks + Instructional DVD The 5th Assistant is a utility gimmick that was custom-made for this effect. You get 2 gimmicks (1 black, 1 white) included in the box, plus an instructional DVD that shows you how to maximize the potential of The 5th Assistant. Geoff Weber takes you step-by-step on how to install and utilize the gimmick so you can perform in minutes! Limitless Possibilities + 5 Bonus Routines Geoff shows you numerous applications ranging from productions, switches, transpositions, and more! As a special bonus, he also teaches five of his complete routines that can be used in close-up or stage settings! Regardless of your performing style, you can use the 5th Assistant in your act! The core concept of The 5th Assistant has been explored in the past by Pat Page, Jack Kent Tillar, and others. This product is released with the full permission and blessing of Janette Page and Jack Kent Tillar. $35.00 (10.1718) Note: This is a non-discountable item.

(7) Three Degrees - Harvey Berg: This book revolves around one great routine that will give your audience the impression that you have a super intellect and psychic powers (me, really?). The basic version was previously released in a private manuscript at the 2009 Psychic Entertainer's Association's annual conference where it was a huge hit and an instant sell-out. The basic routine is: A deck of cards is handed to a spectator, and that is the last time you touch the cards. The spectator shuffles the cards and deals groups of thirteen cards to three audience members, keeping one packet for herself. One of the spectators is freely chosen and you proceed to miraculously name every single card in that person's hand. There are three versions taught. All three are self-working, but the amount of mental effort involved varies. Also included is a related routine titled Fait Accompli. 58 pages - 6" x 9" - Softcover - Photo-illustrated $25.00 (BK01862)

(8) Materials – Two DVD Set – Steve Faulkner: All moves are taught in depth and with permission. They include- Lennart Green's Top Shot - A legendary move and seen as a true classic. The card seems to appear at the fingertips. The real secret, with the correct teaching, is not as difficult as you think. Top Palm Reverse -The card is shown on top of the deck and with a spread of the deck, is seen face up in the middle. With no apparent moves, and the card can be signed. Deck Reverse - A card is turned face up, and with a shake of the hand, the whole deck is seen to visibly turn face up. Ernest Earick's Longitudinal Swivel Steal- Yes it's "knacky" and a challenge, but a stunning move. A card in the middle of the deck is peeked at by a spectator. The deck is handed to the spectator and the card has vanished, only to re-appear in the magician's pocket. No gimmicks and no duplicates. There are lots more moves and tips on the Classic Force and even a little coin magic. $35.00 (DVD01363) Note: This is a non-discountable item.

A note from the creator: "This is a DVD of what I think are some of the most enjoyable and best card moves in the world." "My aim with this DVD is to make a DVD that I would want to watch. I love improvising and therefore I am always on the lookout for moves that are a little demanding but practical and commercial. 'Materials' consists of a number of moves that are strong enough to present alone as quick tricks. But my goal is to give you some sleights that you can add to existing routines or act as building blocks or inspiration for improvisation. In 'Materials' you will find practical card reverses, switches, subtleties and revelations. All are demonstrated in the real world and are taught in the clearest and most detailed way possible. I have used high production values to enhance this clarity and have not created any impractical routines in order to justify the move. There is no filler here. Most of the moves are not mine, but I have been given permission by the creators to include them here. So I need to thank Ernest Earich, Lennart Green, Benjamin Earl and Jerry Sadowitz for letting me teach these stunning moves. I hope one day I can create moves that will equal these great card magicians.

And that’s this week’s Eight Of The Best New Items in the World Of Magic Hotlist. Each one a gem. Each one better than the last! As always, we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for taking the time to visit with us. Whether it’s online at www.magicfact.com or in person at 102 North Street in Medford, we love your company! Aron, Bonnie and the Elves